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As another school year comes to an end, many high school students consider their college choices and commit to schools across the country. Military families are entitled to some well-deserved financial assistance for pursuing a college education.
The women and men who serve in the United States military have made (and continue to make) sacrifices for the good of our country. As a small thank you for that service, the military and United States Government have created several programs and college scholarships for military children. Read on for more details on the valuable opportunities offered to dependents from each branch of the military.
Air Force
The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) offers grants, scholarships, and loans benefiting college education for military children.
The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program offers grants to Air Force dependents ranging from $500 to $4,000 every year. Their selection process focuses on a family’s financial need. Find out if your child meets the eligibility requirements for this application on the AFAS website.
The AFAS Merit Scholarship is another educational assistance program supported by the US Air Force. As noted in the title, this selection criterion is based on academic merit. A minimum of ten $5,000 scholarships is awarded yearly to incoming first-year college students. Find the AFAS Merit Scholarship application here.
Army
The United States Army has enacted several programs and scholarships to assist families with the college funds they need. Here are a few of the current financial aid programs:
The MG James Ursano Scholarship Program offers need-based financial assistance to children of service members of the US Army. Military dependents may receive aid for up to four academic years and must reapply each year. Learn more about the award and apply on the Army Emergency Relief page.
The Spouse Education Assistance Program is another need-based scholarship that helps army spouses pursue an undergraduate degree. The scholarship lasts for up to four years of full-time school and eight years of part-time schooling. All of the eligibility requirements and instructions can be found on the Army Emergency Relief site.
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard Foundation offers scholarships for military children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Fallen Coast Guard Heroes. The scholarship offered to children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members awards $1,000 to $5,000 every year. Military scholarship applications can be found on the Coast Guard Foundation website.
Navy and Marine Corps
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers military scholarships for dependents of Navy and Marine Corps service members. Military children earning their undergraduate degree can apply for interest-free loans and grants by downloading the application on their site.
Military Veterans
The Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program offers up to 45 months of education benefits to sons, daughters, and spouses of a Veteran who has died or who is permanently disabled due to their time in service. Children of veterans seeking to receive this scholarship must be between the ages of 18 and 26. Click here to find out more details about eligibility, benefits offered by this program, and the application process.
College scholarships for military families are just small tokens of gratitude for military members. They can help you save for college and pursue higher education for yourself, your children, or your spouse!
Related: Fun, Exciting & Affordable Military Family Summer Activities
